Napo & You – Professional & Training Committee

Napo & You – Professional & Training Committee

Napo, like all trade unions is only as strong as its members. Therefore, it is important that we encourage as many members as possible to get involved in the structures of Napo. This way you can help shape and influence the future direction of our union. Because what we do as a union is ultimately decided by you. You are the decision makers!

Napo is a member led union. Our Annual General Meeting is the supreme policy making body and unlike other unions, all members are entitled to attend, and discuss the current issues facing the union. It is our members who form our policy. But there are other ways you can get involved in shaping Napo between AGMs.

Each week we will cover a particular aspect of the work of Napo’s committees. This week we will look at Napo’s Professional & Training Committee (P&TC).

What is the P&T Committee responsible for?

Professional and Training issues were formerly covered by separate Committees- the Professional Committee and the Training Committee. These Committees were combined into one Committee in 2016 to create the P&T Committee. This combined Committee is responsible for informing and implementing Napo policy in respect of probation practice and a wide range of training matters affecting all grades of membership working in different settings in the Probation Service.

I found the time I spent on Napo’s Professional Committee enjoyable, interesting and rewarding. It was great to be able to get together with colleagues from all over the country to discuss professional issues and share experiences and viewpoints. It was important for us to give informed responses to the MOJ and NOMS on the impact of new legislation and draft probation instructions particularly as TR unfolded. We also contributed to information, guidance and articles to keep members as up to date as we could. The committee worked really hard on the plethora of changes brought by TR. Those changes seriously affected professional practice and continue to do so. Jan Clare, (East Midlands) former Professional Committee member

What kind of work does the P&T Committee Do?

The Committee’s function is to respond to new legislative or practice proposals from the Ministry of Justice or other agencies and to consider their implications for all staff grades within Napo; to develop policies and strategies in relation to their implementation and to work with members of other committees on any matters which need practice input.

I was involved with Training Committee for five years and it is probably one of the best thing that I have done as a Napo member. I was able to develop and enhance my skills. During my time on the committee, I contributed to Committee reports and moved several motions at National AGM. Being part of a national committee gave me the opportunity to meet like-minded Napo activists from various parts of the country. I recall chose this committee as probation training was, and still is, something about which I have always been passionate. Professional training is essential to the lifeblood of our profession. I know that training has changed significantly over the years from CQSW, DIP/SW, Dip Probation Studies, PQF and now the PQUIP. I still think that there is a way to go in getting it right. However, Napo’s Training Committee has been a significant driver behind important changes and we have been able to assist with the development of the new training programme that is more diverse and inclusive to reflect the communities we work with. Patricia Johnson (London), former Training Committee member

Who makes up the P&T Committee?

The committee has 7 places. These places are open to any member working in probation practice in all areas of the probation service and at any grade. 50% of the places are reserved for women, to ensure that we achieve gender balance on the committee.

Being part of the Professional Committee allowed me to have influence on probation practice on a national level. Professional committee allows members to make suggestions for amendments or raise concerns about practice directions they don’t feel are beneficial or practical. I thoroughly enjoyed being part of committee. I felt that my contributions were valued and that they influenced the end result. It was a privilege to have that opportunity. Tracey Worth (Napo Cymru) former Professional Committee member

How do you get onto the P&T Committee?

To become a P&T Committee member you must be nominated by your Napo branch. Once nominated, your branch is required to complete and counter-sign a branch nomination form. Your nomination is then put forward to the first meeting of the National Executive Committee who will ratify your nomination. However, if there are more nominations than places, the NEC will decide who gets selected by taking a vote.

Who runs the nomination process?

The nomination process is administered and co-ordinated nationally by Napo Head Office.

Is there a term limit on how long you can be a P&T Committee member?

Yes. A member can only serve a maximum of five consecutive years on this committee.
Where do I get further information?

You can further information about this role by contacting Ranjit Singh at rsingh@napo.org.uk.

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